Purchased for its cool blue foliage, the pale pink flowers of ‘Bath’s Pink’ dianthus were unexpected. For some reason, I thought they’d be hot pink.

But at twilight, paired with blue, pale pink is magical. ‘Bath’s Pink’ looks smashing with the Texas bluebonnets. Its icy blue foliage harmonizes with the cobalt of the bluebonnets and bottle tree and echoes the cool blue of the ‘Whale’s Tongue’ agave.

It looks fabulous with the blue gazing ball.

Gulf Coast penstemon (P. tenuis) carries along a similar color scheme.

Pale lavender and blue at dusk—lovely.

Now just add the clove-like fragrance of the pinks (aka dianthus) and enjoy twilight magic.

All material © 2006-2010 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

A new year is upon us, a fresh start, a chance to cast off the disappointments of 2009 and look ahead with hope for economic turnaround, world peace, and…more time in the garden! What better way to celebrate than with a few new goodies for the garden? At Barton Springs Nursery‘s 25%-off sale this week, I found these bronze pots and filled them with a bronze Dyckia fosteriana and a spike rush. (Austinites, if you haven’t taken advantage of BSN’s annual sale, today is the last day.) My son gave me those blue glass pebbles for Christmas, which I used to mulch the rush. Faux water!

I also picked up a beautiful pink abutilon (nameless, I’m afraid).

It was a total impulse purchase, and I don’t know where I’ll put it. But I couldn’t resist.

For my sunny side yard garden, I’m going to try this leather leaf acacia (Acacia craspedocarpa), a thornless, silvery Australian native. My knife-leaf acacia has done well so far, so I have high hopes for this one.

It may not be as pretty as new plants, but I’m even more excited about this. My DH is constructing a faux garden house around the pool pump. We used to have an ugly wooden fence around it, but I’m planning something a little more interesting. Progress may be slow, as he’s working on it when he can catch a few spare hours, but I’ll keep you updated.

I got several more new plants at the BSN sale, and I’d thought to plant them all today. But when I went outdoors to take these pics this morning, the bright blue skies, mild temperatures (we’re expecting a high of 63F/17.2C), and warm sun told me that I need to take the day off from the garden and go out and have fun with the kids. Maybe putt-putt, maybe a walk to the park, maybe fish tacos for lunch. Maybe all of it!

Best wishes for a happy New Year, and here’s to another great year of gardening!

All material © 2006-2009 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Driving around west Hyde Park I came across this adorable bungalow and front garden filled with native and adapted plants. I love it!

Look at the front door—fabulous color! I’m feeling inspired to paint my future garden house (in actuality, a pool-pump shed disguised as a garden house; under construction by my DH) in similar colors.

I’d love to have a tour of this charming bungalow garden. Maybe someday it’ll pop up on a tour. Or…does anyone know the owner? I spotted a stock-tank pond in the back garden, so I already know she or he is a kindred spirit.

All material © 2006-2009 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.